Behind them lay the stars in strange and almost unrecognisable positions, for the various constellations and stars seen on Earth as of fixed shape and position on a dome-shaped setting, were not now on a setting at all, but all in different planes vast distances apart, some viewed ‘end on,’ others at all degrees of angles, and their constellatory shapes no longer distinguishable. Wherever the travellers were, it was plain they were not going to Jupiter, for they were leaving him far away on the left and were heading straight for some strange, dark object which was looming before them in a wild confusion of what seemed to be caverns, craters and mountains, and the gravitometer-needle was slowly moving, already showing forward resistance to the repulsion of the ship, proving the object had gravity at that distance of about 0.10 compared with Earth as 1. “What is it?” exclaimed Dennis, “and why have we altered our course. Look, there is Jupiter in another direction altogether!” It was inexplicable. None of them had moved the steering switches since Gilbert had aimed for Jupiter after leaving Earth, and Godfrey was not allowed in those parts of the sanctum and observatory where the controlling switches were fixed, which parts were guarded. They had not heard or read of the ship ever having gone wrong, and their knowledge of the working principle made an accidental swerving seem impossible, yet already the world they were approaching blotted out the whole of the forward heavens in a dense mass of dark shade, save for a halo of light which came from the sunlight on the opposite side, and in its penumbra of diffusion into the deep shadows showed mountains and plains and a dreary waste of country. “Suppose we pull up and travel with it for a while,” suggested Gilbert, “and then we’ll call up that idiot downstairs; he’ll perhaps tell us something.” “Certainly,” replied Dennis, who shouted Godfrey, and up came their friend two steps at a time. Gilbert made the necessary alteration and joined the others, as Dennis said, “Have you ever passed this barrier, Godfrey?” “No, not this one. I went behind that downstairs; I expect they’re the same; they look it,” replied Godfrey, nonchalantly. “When was that?” “Just after we left Derwent.” “Before you burnt your hand?” “Certainly. You made me promise then on my honour not to touch anything, and I have left all those things severely alone and have not even stepped behind that rail since, which is hard lines on a fellow, considering that electricity is my forte, and you are unnecessarily busy when I could relieve you; but volunteered kindness is never appreciated!” and Godfrey looked very much injured. “Can I help you now?” he asked, brightening up. Ignoring the question, Dennis asked, “Did you move anything whilst there? Did you touch _anything?_”